Foreign relations of Morocco

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Morocco is a member of the United Nations and belongs to the African Union, Arab League, Arab Maghreb Union (UMA), Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), the Non-Aligned Movement and the Community of Sahel-Saharan States (CEN-SAD). Morocco's relationships vary greatly between African, Arab, United States, United Kingdom, Australia, and Western states. Morocco has had strong ties with the West in order to gain economic and political benefits.[1] France and Spain remain the primary trade partners, as well as the primary creditors and foreign investors in Morocco. From the total foreign investments in Morocco, the European Union invests approximately 73.5%, whereas the Arab world invests only 19.3%. As of 2009, many countries from the Persian Gulf and Maghreb regions are also becoming more involved in large-scale development projects in Morocco.[2]

Foreign relations have had a significant impact on economic and social development in Morocco. Certain evidence of foreign influence is through the many development projects, loans, investments, and free trade agreements that Morocco has with other countries. Some free trade agreements include the Euro-Mediterranean free trade area agreement with the European Union; the Greater Arab Free Trade Area with Egypt, Jordan, and Tunisia; as well as the US-Morocco Free Trade Agreement with the United States.[3] An example of recent foreign influence is through loan agreements. Morocco signed three loan agreements with the French Development Agency (AFD) in 2009, totalling up to 155 million euros. These were for the purpose of reforming the education system, rural roads and rehabilitation, as well as infrastructure projects.[4]

  1. ^ "Morocco Foreign Policy". Encyclopedia of the Nations. Archived from the original on 5 February 2010. Retrieved 23 October 2009.
  2. ^ "GCC Countries Invest Heavily in Morocco". Archived from the original on 7 August 2018. Retrieved 23 October 2009.
  3. ^ "Medibtikar: EuroMed Innovation and Technology Program". Archived from the original on 4 September 2012. Retrieved 23 October 2009.
  4. ^ "Morocco Signs 155 Million Euro Loan Agreement With France". Archived from the original on 15 July 2009. Retrieved 23 October 2009.